Sweden keen to build smart cities in India via PPP mode

Sweden keen to build smart cities in India via PPP mode

Sweden is keen on partnering with Indian companies to build 'smart cities' through the public private partnership (PPP) mode in states like Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra, a senior Swedish official said.

Early signing of a pending memorandum of understanding (MOU) on urban development framework between the two countries is expected to facilitate for collaboration, she said.

"Rather than adopting cities in India, we will work on actual PPP model, where in, we will bring in Swedish expertise and world class state-of-the-art knowledge and investment, said Anna Liberg, Trade Commissioner to India, Business Sweden India and South Asia.

Sweden, which has expertise in urban planning, power, sustainable transport and waste management, sees business opportunities with Indian partners in states like Karnataka, Maharasthra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, she told PTI.

"There are 150 Swedish companies in India and the number is growing. A considerable part of them are in the field of urban development under the umbrella of smart cities. We are very strong in that," Liberg said.